Leitch Collieries Urban Exploration – Alberta

Leitch Collieries Urban Exploration – Alberta

While on a recent scouting trip around the Crowsnest Pass I found the Leitch Collieries Historic site.

I love stumbling upon ruins – it’s like a blast back into the past. My favourite thing about the Leitch Collieries was the way the ruins were mainly left alone. I am all for preserving ruins but seeing them in an untouched fashion feels more authentic to me.

The main building you see in the first image has been reinforced and, of course, they have put in bridges and walkways as most tourist sites do. But in the hills on the north side you can find old rubble, and to the east of the main building you can also see the “coke ovens”. They are more untouched than the two buildings.

Walking around the site was interesting because you can actually see where the coal was cooked in the ovens.

This particular mine was established in 1907 but was short lived, closing down by 1915 and liquidated in 1919.

I would definitely visit this site again because of the majestic views of the mountains and history. It was a seriously sweet find.